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1973 Dodge Challenger

1973 Challenger Hardtop

Description

1973 was the fourth year of the first generation Dodge
Challengers (1970 - 1974).

The six cylinder engine was gone, so the 318 cubic inch two-barrel
with 150 horsepower and 265 ft-lbs of torque was now standard. The
340 cid four-barrel with 240 hp and 295 ft-lbs of torque was optional.
Some sources say in mid year the 340 was replaced by the 360. Other
sources say the change didn't take place until 1974.

The major change for 1973 was that the front and rear bumpers were
moved out from the body to meet the new crash standards. The bumper
guards were also enlarged and now had large rubber pads. Together,
these changes added 6.9 inches to the length of the car. Both front
and rear bumpers now also had small vertical slots for the new bumper
jack.

The Rallye was now an option package instead of its own model. It
still had the non-functioning air extractor vents on the lower
front fenders and the strobe-style side stripes.

Two optional High-impact paint colors continued for 1973, Hemi
Orange, and Top Banana.

Total production of 1973 Challengers: 27,930 or 32,596 depending
on the source.

1973 Challenger Key Differences

1973 Challengers had bumpers which stuck out a few inches from the
car, and much larger chrome bumper guards with large rubber pads. 1974
Challengers had the same type of bumpers and bumper guards. Some '73s
have had their bumper guards removed, and some have had their bumpers
moved in closer to the car.

If a Challenger with the extended bumpers has a 318 engine, it's
difficult to tell whether it's a ‘73 or ‘74. If it has a 340 it is a
1973 Challenger, and if it has a 360 it should be a 1974 model.

Similar Years

All first generation Dodge Challengers (1970 - 1974) used the
same body. There were minor year to year changes to the grill,
bumper, and tail lights, however the 1973-74 Challengers have
no differences other than the optional 360 engine which was
only available for 1974.

How to Identify a 1973 Dodge Challenger

Overview

1973 was the fourth year of the first generation Challenger
(1970 - 1974)

Challenger hardtop with a vinyl roof shown

Bumper guards have been removed and bumpers moved in closer to the
car, common modifications for 1973 and 1974 Challengers

1973 Challenger Grill

The grill was the same as the previous year (1972 - 1974)

The grill was black for Rallye Challengers, and silver for regular
Challengers (1972 - 1974)

1973 Challenger Front Bumper

The front bumper was moved out from the body for the new 5 MPH bumper
standard (1973 - 1974)

A black or gray plastic filler piece was added between the bumper and the
car body (1973 - 1974)

1973 Challenger Front Bumper Guard

Large chrome bumper guards with large rubber pads were now standard (1973 - 1974)

The front bumper now protruded a few inches from the front of the car
(1973 - 1974)

1973 Challenger Rear Bumper

The rear bumper was also moved out from the car and protruded a couple of
inches (1973 - 1974)

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